Further Implementation of Environmental Approximation Strategy

Project “Further Implementation of Environmental Approximation Strategy” is focused on providing support to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in order to strengthen institutions and strategic planning within Chapter 27. The Project enables harmonisation with the European Union acquis in the field of environmental protection and climate change, covering activities that pertain to three main components: capacity building, aimed at strengthening implementation of environmental legislation, developing capacities for planning the implementation of the European Union directives that require considerable funds (especially in the area of water and waste management), as well as capacity development for investments and financial planning of environmental projects.

Preparation of the Action Plan for Administrative Capacities Development (APACD) is in progress and it includes assessment of institutional capacities needed for further implementation and compliance with the European Union acquis. The Action Plan is aimed at strengthening institutions responsible for implementation of environmental legislation.

Environment, as one of the most expensive negotiation chapters, requires great investments, especially in sectors such as water and waste management. Preparation of eight Directive Specific Implementation Plans (DSIPs) is in progress within the project Further Implementation of Environmental Approximation Strategy, aimed at planning the measures and costs for achieving set goals in most requiring sectors, but also at providing guidelines for harmonization of strategic and legal frameworks of the Republic of Serbia with the European Union acquis.

Carefully planning and proper preparation for implementation of various environmental projects, through EAS Project, is extremely important taking into account that some projects are more important and urgent for implementation that others. Through EAS project investment demands and financing resources will be identified and supported with clear justification why funds have been proposed to be allocated in a particular way. Also, based on develop ranked list of infrastructure projects based on criteria for priority project selection, one of the main task will be matching investment needs and available or potential financial resources and propose policy to close the financing gap, so that projects may be implemented.

Enhanced capacities for planning implementation of the more demanding environmental investment directives

Environment, is one of the most expensive negotiating chapter and it requires more than EUR 10 billion of investments in environment to meet EU standards. The most demanding sector is water management, including water supply and waste water treatment (about EUR 5.6 billion), and waste management (about EUR 2.8 billion). Eight Directive Specific Implementation Plans (DSIP) should be prepared as a part of EAS project to reach objective set in a EU directive for most demanding sectors (water and waste management)

Strengthening of institutions for the implementation of legislation in the field of environment

Environment, is one of the most complex negotiating Chapter that involves institutions at central, regional and local levels, civil society organizations and industries. 10 Working Groups are in charge for preparation of different legislations, good vertical and horizontal coordination is required, as well as clear allocation of responsibilities for transposition, implementation and enforcement. Systematic approach to monitoring, enforcement and inspection capacities is necessity in order to avoid institutional gaps and develop institutional development plan (APACD)